Allegations of sex with a 16-year-old boy have temporarily forced out the man responsible for voicing one of the most beloved Sesame Street characters of all time.

Kevin Clash, who has been the iconic voice of Elmo for the past 28 years, stands accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with an underage teen — allegations Clash denies.
Though he admits to having a relationship with his accuser — now 23 — Clash told TMZ the man was of legal age at the time. "It was between two consenting adults and I am deeply saddened that he is trying to make it into something it was not," Clash is quoted as saying.

Officials at Sesame Workshop, who have met with the unidentified accuser at least twice, stand by Clash, insisting that no evidence has been produced thus far to prove the claims.